NEW DELHI: French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a banquet dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Louvre Museum in Paris during his two-day official visit to the country.Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron received Prime Minister Modi at the museum.

PM Modi highlighted the friendship and the similarities between India and France during the dinner.More than 200 guests joined the two leaders on France's national holiday for the dinner in PM Modi's honour at the world's biggest museum, and were treated to a special viewing of a number of iconic works.Generally, the museum gets a lot of footfall on this day but was closed off for hosting the banquet.The last time the museum, home to some of the world's most famous works of art, was the venue for a banquet was in 1953 which was held in the honour of Queen Elizabeth.The Banquet hosted by President Macron had many special gestures for PM Modi.Even the thread for the menu had the Indian tricolor which is a deviation from their protocol because they always do French colours only.

The menu was also specially curated vegetarian spread.Earlier on Friday, PM Modi attended the Bastille Day Parade on France’s National Day as the Guest of Honour at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.The majestic parade, which had participation from contingents from Indian armed forces, took place under bright and sunny skies at Champs-Elysees in Paris.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.In a joint press conference with PM Modi, President Emmanuel Macron envisioned India and France’s future plans for students saying by “2030 we want to send 30,000 French students to India.”“2030 we want"...We can't forget the youth...By 2030, we want to send 30,000 French students there (to India)...For the young Indians who want to pursue higher education in France, we want to make a conducive visa policy...," Macron said while speaking to the media at Elysee Palace.PM Modi during the course of his second-day visit to France, met thought leaders and some prominent business people.

He met prominent aerospace engineer and pilot Thomas Pesquet and Chanel CEO Leena Nair.

He also met Charlotte Chopin, a yoga practitioner who will turn 100 soon.(With agency inputs)